Longmont to launch fireworks Thursday

Last year's cancelled show will be performed this July 4

Cindi Abkes puts the finishing touches on the Town of Firestone s Fourth of July parade float in the town s public works garage Saturday.
(
LEWIS GEYER
)

LONGMONT -- After a lull in fireworks last summer prompted by dry conditions and area wildfires, locals will finally get the chance to see last year's show.

The city of Longmont was among several cities in the area that canceled their show during the heat wave in 2012 but rather than charging the city for the cancellation, the company that provided the fireworks put the show on hold until this year.

"They could have taken 50 percent of the budget for show per the contract, but instead they said 'Let's just delay the show for another year,' so they just charged us a couple grand for what they had in the show and saved us some money," said Mike Selan, Longmont's hazardous materials inspector. "So people will get to see last year's show this year."

If you go

The $15,000 donation was returned to the Skyline Kiwanis Club last year when the show was canceled, but the club donated again this year, according to city officials.

This year's show is expected to go off without a hitch based on weather reports, city officials said Friday.

Fireworks will begin at about 9:30 p.m. at the Boulder County Fairgrounds and last for about 30 minutes. Information about the show, including parking and viewing information, can be found on the city's website, ci.longmont.co.us.

The Longmont Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual July 4 concert at Thompson Park, Fourth Avenue and Bross Street, on Thursday, beginning with a performance from the Longmont Youth Symphony at 11:45 a.m.

Boulder

Boulder's annual fireworks show will also resume this year at Folsom Field on the University of Colorado campus. Gates open at 8 p.m. Thursday. Visit boulder4thofjuly.com for more.

Gold Hill Fire Department's Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast will be held at Gold Hill Elementary from 8:30 to 11 a.m. followed by the parade at noon.

Carbon Valley

Firestone's annual Fourth of July festival in Miners Park continues to grow, with 92 vendors signed up to participate this year, said Kristi Ritter, spokeswoman for the town of Firestone.

Firestone s Fourth of July float waits in the town s public works garage for Thursday s parade, which is scheduled to step off at 10 a.m.
(
LEWIS GEYER
)

Free activities will be held at the park from about 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, including a parade, a classic car show, a carnival and a fireworks show that will begin at about 9:30 p.m., she said. Visit ci.firestone.co.us for more information.

Erie

Erie will host the July Third Extravaganza & Fireworks Display from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Colorado National Golf Club. Activities include live music, children's games, food and drink vendors and fireworks beginning at dusk. Visit erieco.gov for more information.

Estes Park

The Independence Day celebration "Red, White and Cool" will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park. A fireworks show over Lake Estes will begin at 9 p.m. Visit visitestespark.com for more info.

Lafayette

The Fourth of July Celebration at Waneka Lake will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Lafayette, featuring children's activities, live music and a pie-eating contest. Fireworks will begin at dusk. Visit lafayettecolorado.com for more information.

Louisville

Festivities in Louisville will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at Coal Creek Golf Course. Food and activities will be held at the course until fireworks begin about 9:15 p.m. Visit louisvilleco.gov for more information.

Niwot

Niwot's celebration begins at 7:30 a.m. Thursday with a pancake breakfast and continues with a decorate-your-bike event at 8:30 a.m. and a parade that at 10 a.m. at Cottonwood Square. Visit niwot.com for more information.

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